Impact of genetic diversity and antibiotic-resistance of Salmonella isolated from feral cats: One Health approach.

Free-living cats usually live in colonies in urban areas, especially close to parks and neighbourhoods where people feed them without any sanitary control. This can pose a human, animal and environmental health concern due to the close contact between uncontrolled colonies, the population and other domestic and/or wild animals. Thus, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains isolated from feral cats in a previous epidemiological study in the Gran Canaria island (Spain). A total of nineteen Salmonella isolates were obtained from November 2018 to January 2019 in a Salmonella epidemiological study in feral cats. All isolates obtained were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PGFE) and were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, in accordance with Decision 2013/652/EU. PFGE analysis revealed isolates clustering by serovar, with identical clones for serovars Bredeney and Grancanaria, while differing pulsotypes were observed for serovars Florida (88.89 % similarity) and Nima (83.23 % similarity). All but two isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The results obtained demonstrate that feral cats in the region investigated are a reservoir of Salmonella strains resistant to gentamicin (94.1 %) and of the critically important antimicrobial tigecycline (23.5 %). Hence, they could excrete AMR strains through their faeces and contaminate the environment, favoring the spread of such bacteria to cohabiting pets. Moreover, this widespread presence of AMR Salmonella clones across various serovars highlights the urgent need to implement efficient antimicrobial stewardship and control programs by the local governments due to the ongoing need to protect human and animal health under a One Health concept.

Chest pain secondary to drug use treated in hospital emergency departments in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of patients with chest pain (CP) associated with recent drug use. METHODS: Study of cases from the REUrHE registry attended in the emergency department of 11 Spanish hospitals for CP following recreational drug use. RESULTS: CP accounted for 8.97% of attendances (males 82.9%, p<0.001). Cocaine was present in 70% of cases, followed by cannabis (35.7%) and amphetamines and derivatives (21.4%). The most frequent initial symptoms were: palpitations (45.5%, p<0.001), anxiety (42.5%, p<0.001), hypertension (13.6%, p<0.001) and arrhythmias (5.9%, p<0.001). Patients with TD received more treatment (81.9% vs 74.1%; p<0.001), although they were admitted less (7.6%, p=0.0), with no differences in terms of CPR manoeuvres, sedation, intubation, or admission to intensive care (1.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In CP following acute drug intoxication, cocaine use predominates, although cases of cannabis use are increasing.

Post-immunobiotics increase resistance to primary respiratory syncytial virus infection and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia.

Previously, we demonstrated that post-immunobiotics derived from Lactobacillus gasseri TMT36, TMT39, and TMT40 strains (HK36, HK39 and HK40, respectively) differentially regulated Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated antiviral respiratory immunity in infant mice. In this work, we investigated whether the HK36, HK39 and HK40 nasal treatments were able to improve the resistance against primary respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia. Our results demonstrated that the three treatments increased the resistance to primary viral infection by reducing variations in body weight, RSV titers and lung damage of infected infant mice. Post-immunobiotics significantly enhanced the expressions of interferon (IFN)-λ, IFN-ß, IFN-γ, interleukin(IL) - 1ß, IL-6, IL-27, Mx1, RNAseL and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) genes and decreased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in alveolar macrophages of RSV-challenged mice. In addition, the studies in the model of RSV-Streptococcus pneumoniae superinfection showed that the HK39 and HK40 treatments were capable of reducing lung damage, lung bacterial cell counts, and the dissemination of S. pneumoniae into the blood of infant mice. The protective effect was associated with increases in IFN-ß, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-27 in the respiratory tract. This study demonstrates that the nasal application of the post-immunobiotics HK39 and HK40 stimulates innate respiratory immunity and enhances the defences against primary RSV infection and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia offering an alternative to combat respiratory superinfections in children, which can be fatal.

Research Note: Persistent Salmonella problems in slaughterhouses related to clones linked to poultry companies.

Salmonellosis remains one of the main foodborne zoonoses in Europe, with poultry products as the main source of human infections. The slaughterhouse has been identified as a potential source for Salmonella contamination of poultry meat. Despite the mandatory programme of the EU, there are companies with persistent Salmonella that are unable to remove the bacteria from their processing environment, compromising the entire production line. In this context, an intensive sampling study was conducted to investigate a slaughterhouse with persistent Salmonella problems, establishing the genetic relationship among Salmonella strains isolated during the slaughter process. A total of 36 broiler flocks were sampled during processing at the slaughterhouse. Salmonella was identified based on ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D), serotyped by Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique, and the genetic relationship was assessed with ERIC-PCR followed by PFGE. The outcomes showed that 69.4% of the batches sampled carried Salmonella upon arrival at the slaughterhouse and that 46.3% of the different samples from carcasses were contaminated with Salmonella. The two serovars isolated at the different steps in the slaughterhouse were Enteritidis (98.2%) and Kentucky (1.8%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed a low genetic diversity, with all S. Enteritidis isolates showing a nearly identical pulsotype (similarity >85%) and S. Kentucky strains showed the same XbaI PFGE profile (95.0% genetic similarity). The results of this study showed a high genetic relationship among isolates recovered from carcasses and environmental samples in the slaughterhouse from both Salmonella-positive and Salmonella-free flocks. Salmonella strains re-circulated across to poultry flocks and re-entered the slaughterhouse to survive on the processing line. Thus, it is necessary to implement molecular diagnosis methods in time at the field level to determine the Salmonella epidemiology of the flock, to make rapid decisions for the control of Salmonella and prevent entry into the slaughterhouse environment.

Cardiovascular risk in the elderly population of Spain. The EPICARDIAN risk score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular risk estimation in people over 70 years of age is problematic. Most scores have been created based on cohorts of middle-aged people, with an underrepresentation of older adults. The predictive power of classical cardiovascular risk factors declines with age. The aim of this work is to develop a specific score for estimating cardiovascular risk among the elderly population in Spain. METHODS: This work is a population-based cohort established in 1995. SETTING: Three geographical areas of Spain (Madrid, Ávila, and Lugo). PARTICIPANTS: 3,729 people older than 64 years with no cardiovascular diseases (CVD) at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Suspected fatal and nonfatal CVD (both coronary heart disease and stroke) were investigated annually and confirmed using the WHO-MONICA criteria. All participants were followed-up on until occurrence of a first CVD event, until death, or until December 31, 2015. RESULTS: Age was the strongest predictor of CVD at 10 years in both men and women. In men, variables associated with CVD were high blood pressure treatment (HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.067-1.710), diabetes (HR: 1.359; 95% CI: 0.997-1.852), and smoking (HR: 1.207; 95% CI: 0.945-1.541) and in women, the variables were smoking (HR: 1.881; 95% CI: 1.356-2.609) and diabetes (HR: 1.285; 95% CI: 0.967-1.707). Total cholesterol did not increase the risk of CVD in men or women. However, total cholesterol levels >200 mg/dL were inversely associated with 10-year risk of CVD in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly Spanish men, total CVD at 10 years is significantly increased by age, diabetes, and antihypertensive treatment and in elderly Spanish women by diabetes and smoking. Total cholesterol levels did not increase the risk of CVD, particularly in males.

[Lung transplant with ex vivo lung perfusion, Chilean and Latin American first experience]. / Trasplante pulmonar ex vivo . Primera experiencia en Chile y Latinoamérica.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients waiting for a lung transplant worldwide greatly exceeds the number of available donors. Ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be evaluated and reconditioned for a successful lung transplantation. AIM: To describe the first Chilean and Latin American experience in ex vivo lung perfusion for marginal donor lungs before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis of all ex vivo lung perfusion conducted for marginal donor lungs at a private clinic, from April 2019 to October 2020. High risk donor lungs and rejected lungs from other transplantation centers were included. The "Toronto Protocol" was used for ex vivo lung perfusion. Donor lung characteristics and recipient outcomes were studied. RESULTS: During the study period, five ex vivo lung perfusions were performed. All lungs were reconditioned and transplanted. No complications were associated. There were no primary graft dysfunctions and only one chronic allograft dysfunction. There was no mortality during the first year. The median arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio increased from 266 mm Hg in the donor lung to 419 after 3 hours of ex vivo lung perfusion (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: ex vivo lung perfusion is a safe and useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be reconditioned and successfully transplanted.

Resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol: experiencia en dos centros universitarios / Videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol: experience in two university centers

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para facilitar la localización intraoperatoria de los nódulos pulmonares existe la alternativa de marcarlos previamente con lipiodol. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados quirúrgicos de los pacientes sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se incluyeron los pacientes que fueron sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol, en Clínica Las Condes e Instituto Nacional del Tórax, entre junio de 2012 y junio de 2019. Se consideraron variables demográficas, radiológicas, quirúrgicas e histológicas. RESULTADOS: Se estudió un total de 93 pacientes. La edad promedio fue 63,5 (± 11,9) años. El tamaño promedio de los nódulos fue de 10,7 (± 5,8) mm. Se identificó y extrajo el 100% de los nódulos marcados. Los días de hospitalización promedio fueron 4,7 (± 6,9). Solo se registró un fallecimiento de causa no quirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: La resección videotoracoscópica de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol, es una técnica segura y eficaz.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the intraoperative location of lung nodules there is the alternative of pre-marking them with lipiodol. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical results of patients undergoing videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study. Patients who underwent videotorcoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol were included at Clínica Las Condes and Instituto Nacional del Tórax between June 2012 and June 2019. Demographic, radiological, surgical and histological variables were considered. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were studied. The average age was 63,5 (± 11.9) years. The average size of the nodules was 10.7 (± 5.8) mm. 100% of the marked nodules were identified and extracted. The average hospitalization days were 4.7 (± 6.9). Only one death of non-surgical cause was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Videotoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol is a safe and effective technique.

Manejo de los nódulos pulmonares subsólidos: resultados quirúrgicos basados en algoritmo local / Pulmonary subsolid nodules: surgical outcomes based on institutional algorithm

INTRODUCCIÓN: en la actualidad no existe un consenso respecto al manejo de los nódulos pulmonares subsólidos (NPSS). OBJETIVO: describir los resultados del manejo quirúrgico de los NPSS, basados en un algoritmo local. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas electrónicas de los pacientes operados por NPSS, sugerentes de ser malignos, a juicio de un equipo multidisciplinario, entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2018, en el Departamento de Cirugía de Adultos de Clínica Las Condes. RESULTADOS: se estudió un total de 35 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 65,8 años. El tamaño promedio de los nódulos fue de 15 mm. Todos los pacientes fueron abordados por cirugía videotoracoscópica asistida. El 88,6% de las biopsias demostró la presencia de una neoplasia maligna. CONCLUSIONES: la adopción de un algoritmo local, instituido por un equipo multidisciplinario, es una alternativa para el manejo adecuado de los portadores de NPSS.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there is no consensus in the management of pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs). AIM: describe the results of surgical management of SSNs, based on institutional algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cross-sectional, descriptive study, with revision of clinical electronic records, that included all patients intervened for SSNs, suggestive of malignancy, by the judgment of a multi-disciplinary team, from January 2014 to January 2018 at the Department of Adult Surgery, Clinica Las Condes. RESULTS: 35 patients were studied. The average age was 65.8 years. The average size of the nodules was 15 mm. All patients were approached by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. 88.6% of biopsies turned out to be malignant neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: the acquisition of a local algorithm established by a multidisciplinary team is an appropriate alternative for the management of the patients with SSNs.

Trasplante pulmonar ex vivo: primera experiencia en Chile y Latinoamérica / Lung transplant with ex vivo lung perfusion, Chilean and Latin American first experience

Background: The number of patients waiting for a lung transplant worldwide greatly exceeds the number of available donors. Ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be evaluated and reconditioned for a successful lung transplantation. Aim: To describe the first Chilean and Latin American experience in ex vivo lung perfusion for marginal donor lungs before transplantation. Material and Methods: Descriptive analysis of all ex vivo lung perfusion conducted for marginal donor lungs at a private clinic, from April 2019 to October 2020. High risk donor lungs and rejected lungs from other transplantation centers were included. The "Toronto Protocol" was used for ex vivo lung perfusion. Donor lung characteristics and recipient outcomes were studied. Results: During the study period, five ex vivo lung perfusions were performed. All lungs were reconditioned and transplanted. No complications were associated. There were no primary graft dysfunctions and only one chronic allograft dysfunction. There was no mortality during the first year. The median arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio increased from 266 mm Hg in the donor lung to 419 after 3 hours of ex vivo lung perfusion (p = 0.043). Conclusions: ex vivo lung perfusion is a safe and useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be reconditioned and successfully transplanted.

Genotyping and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from poultry breeders and their progeny in Eastern Spain.

Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. are recognized as a major cause of acute bacterial diarrhea in humans, with broiler meat being the most common source of human infection. Antibiotic therapy is usually necessary for severe or prolonged infections, especially in immunocompromised populations such as young or elderly individuals. However, different studies have demonstrated a close association between antibiotic use in animal production and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. In this sense, there is social pressure to reduce antibiotic administration and find adequate alternatives to control the presence of bacterial infections in farms. However, there is a lack of information related to Campylobacter AMR dynamics through the entire production system from breeders to their progeny. It is unknown if resistance genes are a result of adaptation through chromosomal mutation or through horizontal gene transfer, instead of vertical transmission of DNA from the parent to their progeny. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to assess the main AMR rates present in a poultry production system, to study the relationship between Campylobacter AMR profiles from breeders and their progeny, and to study the presence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in poultry production. Regarding AMR rates, ciprofloxacin was classified as extremely high, followed by nalidixic acid and tetracyclines that were classified as very high. Moreover, this study demonstrated a relationship between the AMR patterns and genes found from Campylobacter strains isolated in breeders and those present in their progeny.

Urban birds: An important source of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella strains in Central Spain.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important threats of the 21 st century. Wild birds have been described as reservoirs of AMR in different bacterial species, such as Salmonella spp. Privation of food, climate change and overpopulation have forced many wild species to modify their feeding habits, attending urban areas. In this context, the aim of this study was to study Salmonella presence, as well as related AMR in urban birds that inhabit the city and its surroundings. A total of 300 urban birds were sampled for Salmonella detection according to the ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D) recommendations, and serotyping was carried out according to the White-Kauffman-Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested following 2013/652/EU Decision guides. Wild birds analysed were positive for Salmonella in 12.3 % of cases, with white storks fed in landfills as the most Salmonella prevalent species (p < 0.05). The most common serovars isolated were zoonotic (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium monophasic variant). From Salmonella isolated strains, 40.5 % were resistant to the most prevalent AMRs found in urban birds were ciprofloxacin (36.4 %), nalidixic acid (36.4 %) and colistin (27.3 %). The scientific community, public administration and population in general should work together to control antimicrobial administration and drug waste management in order to decrease the development and spread of AMR.

Cirugía torácica videoasistida uniportal en dos centros universitarios: experiencia inicial / Initial experience in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at two university campuses

Resumen Introducción: Uno de los mayores avances de las últimas décadas en la cirugía de tórax ha sido el desarrollo de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Objetivos: Describir la experiencia en videotoracoscopía (VATS) Uniportal de miembros del equipo de Cirugía de Tórax de la Universidad de Chile en 2 campos clínicos, (Clínica Las Condes y Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile). Materiales y Método: Se estudiaron 105 pacientes sometidos a VATS uniportal entre enero de 2016 y enero de 2019. Los datos se analizaron de manera retrospectiva considerando variables demográficas (edad, sexo) y clínicas (diagnóstico, cirugía, estadía hospitalaria, días de pleurostomía, conversión y complicaciones). Resultados: De las 105 cirugías realizadas, 28 (26,6%) correspondieron a cirugías mayores complejas lobectomías y segmentectomías anatómicas. En 4 pacientes se agregó un 2° puerto, uno se convirtió a minitoracotomía y uno a toracotomía (5,7% conversión global). La estadía hospitalaria fue en promedio 3,07 ± 3,1 días y el promedio de mantención de pleurostomía de 2,67 ± 1,61 días. Siete pacientes (6,6%) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. Un paciente falleció por progresión de su enfermedad, no hubo mortalidad relacionada a la cirugía. Discusión: Las contraindicaciones de la VATS uniportal son las mismas que en la VATS multipuerto. En manos experimentadas, las complicaciones en cirugía por puerto único son bajas. Impresiona tener menos dolor postoperatorio, menor estadía hospitalaria y reintegración precoz a las actividades diarias comparado con la VATS tradicional. Conclusiones: Se presenta la primera serie de VATS uniportal publicada en Chile. Los resultados obtenidos son comparables a los observados en la literatura. Su implementación y desarrollo requiere de una curva de aprendizaje similar a cualquier nueva técnica quirúrgica.

Objective: To describe the initial results with uniportal Video-Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed in two campuses by members of the Section of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Chile ("Clínica Las Condes" and University of Chile Clinical Hospital). Materials and Method: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 105 patients underwent uniportal VATS. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from digital records including demographic (age, sex) and clinical variables (diagnosis, surgery, duration of the chest tube, length of stay, conversion rate and postoperative complications). Results: Uniportal VATS was performed on 105 patients during the study period. Twenty-eight cases (26.6%) corresponded to lobectomy or anatomic segmentectomy. In 4 cases a 2nd port was required, 1 patient had to be converted to mini-thoracotomy and 1 to thoracotomy (5.8% global conversion). Overall, the median length of stay was 3.07 ± 3.1 days and the median duration of chest tube drainage was 2.67 ± 1.61 days. Seven patients (6.6%) presented complications. One patient died due to progression of his disease, there were no deaths related to the procedures. Discussion: Uniportal VATS has similar indications than multiportal VATS. On experienced hands, uniportal VATS has a low morbidity rate. Uniportal VATS appears to produce less post-operative pain, with shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life compared to standard VATS. Conclusion: We present the first uniportal VATS series in Chile. Results were similar to published series. Implementation and development of uniportal VATS requires a learning curve similar to any new surgical procedure.

The dynamic of antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli throughout the growing period in broiler chickens: fast-growing vs. slow-growing breeds.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important threat to public health worldwide. Furthermore, different studies have demonstrated a close association between antibiotic use in animal production and AMR in humans. It is well known that it is necessary to reduce antibiotic administration in farms by finding effective alternative treatments, using more resistant breeds and improving animal welfare. However, to be able to assess the alternatives proposed, it is essential to study the epidemiology of AMR under production conditions. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the AMR dynamic in 2 genetic poultry breeds during the growing period. The study was performed in 2 experimental poultry houses to simulate real production conditions, and no antibiotics were administered during the growing period. In addition, 2 poultry breeds were used, fast-growing and slow-growing. To evaluate AMR evolution, Escherichia coli was selected as indicator bacterium. To this end, animals from each experimental group were sampled at different times: on day of arrival, at mid-period, and at slaughter day. In the laboratory, cecal content was removed and inoculated in selective media. Then, biochemical tests were performed to confirm E. coli. Finally, antibiotic susceptibility was assessed according to Decision 2013/653. At the onset of the cycle, significant differences were observed between breeds, as the E. coli strains isolated from fast-growing 1-day-old-chicks showed higher AMR rates. However, at the end of the period, no significant differences were found between breeds and their presence of resistant bacteria (above 95%). Therefore, although no antibiotics were administered during the growing period, a high level of AMR at slaughter day was demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to determine the main risk factors that increase the level of AMR throughout the productive cycle in broiler chickens. In conclusion, it is important to highlight that although it is crucial to control both antibiotic use and animal welfare during the growing period, measures should be taken at all levels of the production chain.

Determining of risk areas due to exposure to heavy metals in the Toluca Valley using epiphytic mosses as a biomonitor.

The work aim is to identify the risk areas by exposure to Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the Metropolitan Zone of Toluca Valley (MZTV) using the mosses Fabriona cilaris and Leskea angustata as a biomonitors, geostatistical interpolation and multi-criteria evaluation by analytical hierarchy process. The results from the estimation of the enrichment factors (EF) showed that Pb is the heavy metal with the highest values, followed by the Zn, Cu and Cr. The EF obtained for all heavy metals show that there is a moderate to high anthropogenic enrichment. The above indicates that in the MZTV there are emission sources that contribute (significantly) in the amount of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn accumulated in the biomonitor. Combustion processes, vehicle emissions, biomass burning, brick kiln emissions, agricultural and livestock activities, manufacturing industry and re-deposition by the action of the wind, were identified as the main heavy metals sources in the MZTV. Risk maps showed the high and medium risk areas are located in sites with poor urban vegetation coverage and close to highways and industrial parks. Low risk areas are located in sites with high urban vegetation coverage. The method used for identifying risk areas is a rapid and low-cost evaluation tool can allow local government environmental agencies to define public policies on air pollution control.

The burn severity and plant recovery relationship affect the biological and chemical soil properties of Pinus halepensis Mill. stands in the short and mid-terms after wildfire.

In the Mediterranean Basin, changes in climate and fire regime (increased recurrence and severity) reduce ecosystem services after wildfires by increasing soil degradation and losses in plant diversity. Our study was a biological approach to relate soil properties to vegetation recovery and burn severity. We focused our study on the natural recovery of the soil-plant interphase in Pinus halepensis Mill. forests located in the SE of Iberian Peninsula, a semiarid climate. We included some chemical properties 3 years after fire (available phosphorus (P) and soil organic carbon (Corg), among others), and biological soil indicators 3 and 5 years after fire (i.e. basal soil respiration (BSR), microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), carbon mineralization coefficient (Cmineral), metabolic quotient (qCO2) and microbial quotient (Cmic:Corg)). We analyzed the activity of three different enzymes: urease (UR), phosphatase (PHP) and ß-glucosidase (GLU). The changes in most chemical properties were ephemeral, but P and Corg showed higher values in burned areas, and the highest were found for low-moderate severity. Plant recovery was the triggering factor for the recovery of Corg and biological soil function. Burn severity and time after fire influenced Cmic and the Cmic:Corg, which were higher for moderate-high severity 3 years later, but were below the unburned values 5 years after fire. The microbial activities of GLU and UR were recovered in burned areas 5 years after fire. The PHP values lowered according to higher burn severity and time after fire. The soil ecological trends obtained by a principal component analysis revealed a relationship linking GLU, BSR and qCO2 that explained soil response to burn severity. PHP, Cmic and Cmic:Corg explained most of the variability related to time after fire. Our results provide insights into how burn severity, in Mediterranean fire-prone Aleppo pine stands, modulated the natural plant recovery linked to soil biochemical and microbiological response to fire. High burn severity limited natural vegetation recovery, and both reduced biological soil functionality. This knowledge can be implemented in post-fire planning to apply post-fire management (for mitigation and restoration) in which the "no intervention" tool should be contemplated. These findings provide information to be applied in adaptive forest management to improve the resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and to reduce burn severity in future fire events.

Identification of the Novel Tooth-Specific Transcription Factor AmeloD.

Basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play an important role in various organs' development; however, a tooth-specific bHLH factor has not been reported. In this study, we identified a novel tooth-specific bHLH transcription factor, which we named AmeloD, by screening a tooth germ complementary DNA (cDNA) library using a yeast 2-hybrid system. AmeloD was mapped onto the mouse chromosome 1q32. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AmeloD belongs to the achaete-scute complex-like ( ASCL) gene family and is a homologue of ASCL5. AmeloD was uniquely expressed in the inner enamel epithelium (IEE), but its expression was suppressed after IEE cell differentiation into ameloblasts. Furthermore, AmeloD expression showed an inverse expression pattern with the epithelial cell-specific cell-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin in the dental epithelium. Overexpression of AmeloD in dental epithelial cell line CLDE cells resulted in E-cadherin suppression. We found that AmeloD bound to E-box cis-regulatory elements in the proximal promoter region of the E-cadherin gene. These results reveal that AmeloD functions as a suppressor of E-cadherin transcription in IEE cells. Our study demonstrated that AmeloD is a novel tooth-specific bHLH transcription factor that may regulate tooth development through the suppression of E-cadherin in IEE cells.

Efectos de la ingesta de los edulcorantes estevia y D-tagatosa sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa, ácido úrico y apetito-saciedad / Effects of stevia and D-tagatose sweeteners intake om glucose, uric acid metabolism and appetite-satiety

INTRODUCCIÓN: Si bien, los edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) estevia y D-tagatosa han sido reportados como seguros, han demostrado tener algunos efectos metabólicos tras su ingesta. OBJETIVO: Describir los efectos de la ingesta de estevia y D-tagatosa sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa y ácido úrico, y del apetito-saciedad, a partir de la evidencia disponible. MÉTODOS: Revisión descriptiva. Se realizó búsqueda en PubMed utilizando los siguientes términos y palabras clave: "stevia rebaudiana", "tagatose", "D-tagatose", "blood glucose", "insulin", "metabolic processes", "uric acid", "hyperuricemia", "appetite" o "satiety". El análisis de los estudios seleccionados fue discrecional. RESULTADOS: Existen estudios que demuestran efectos beneficiosos tras el consumo de estevia o D-tagatosa sobre el control glicémico, apetito y saciedad tanto en sujetos sanos como con alteraciones en el metabolismo de la glucosa. Por otra parte, un número importante de estudios que evalúan la ingesta de estevia reportan efectos nulos sobre dichos parámetros. En relación al ácido úrico, solo un estudio en sujetos con enfermedad renal crónica reporta aumento en la concentración de ácido úrico plasmático tras la ingesta de 500 mg/día de estevia. Pocos estudios han evaluado el efecto de la ingesta de D-tagatosa sobre uricemia, en sujetos sanos y diabéticos, reportando un aumento transitorio y significativo en los niveles de ácido úrico sérico, sin embargo, no se ha logrado demostrar un efecto hiperuricémico asociado. Es importante destacar que la metodología de los estudios revisados es heterogénea, especialmente en relación al tamaño muestral, tiempo, dosis y vía de adminitración del edulcorante. CONCLUSIÓN: La ingesta de estevia y D-tagatosa ha demostrado efectos beneficiosos sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa, el apetito y la saciedad. El efecto del consumo de D-tagatosa sobre ácido úrico sérico requiere mayor evidencia para demostrar su significancia clínica.

INTRODUCTION: No-nutritive sweeteners stevia and D-tagatose have been reported as safe according to their acceptable daily intake, however, they have been shown to have metabolic effects after their ingestion. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of stevia and D-tagatose intake on parameters associated to glucose, uric acid metabolism and on appetite-satiety, considering the available evidence. METHODS: Descriptive review. PubMed search was carried out to identify the totality of the published articles. The following terms and key words were used: "stevia rebaudiana", "tagatose", "D-tagatose", "blood glucose", "insulin", "metabolic processes", "uric acid", "hyperuricemia", "appetite" o "satiety". The analysis of the selected studies was discretionary. RESULTS: studies have shown beneficial effects of stevia and D-tagatose consumption on glycemic control, appetite and satiety in healthy subjects as well as subjects with impairment glucose metabolism. On the other hand, a significant number of studies evaluating estevia intake report null effects on these parameters. In relation to uric acid, only one study in subjects with chronic kidney disease reported an increase in plasmatic uric acid concentration after the intake of 500 mg/day of stevia. Several studies have evaluated the effect of D-tagatose intake on plasmatic uric acid, in healthy and diabetic subjects, reporting a transient and significant increase in serum uric acid levels, however, has not been able to demonstrate an associated hyperuricemic effect. It is important to highlight that the methodology of the studies reviewed is heterogeneous, especially in relation to sample size, dose administered, time and route of exposure to the sweetener. CONCLUSION: Stevia and D-tagatose intake has shown beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, appetite and satiety. The effects of the consumption of both sweeteners on uric acid require further study to demonstrate their clinic significance.

Caracterización de nódulos pulmonares resecados. Experiencia de manejo por un programa multidisciplinario / Features of excised pulmonary nodules in 100 patients

Background: Pulmonary nodules are common, and surgery is the only alternative that allows a diagnostic and therapeutic management in a single procedure. Aim: To report the epidemiological, radiological, surgical and pathological features of excised pulmonary nodules. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients in whom a pulmonary nodule was excised between 2014 and 2018. Those with incomplete data or without a pathological study were excluded from analysis. Results: We retrieved 108 records and 8 had to be excluded, therefore 100 patients aged 34 to 82 years (57% females) were analyzed. Sixty percent had a history of smoking. Mean nodule size was 16 mm and the solid type was the most common (65%). Forty five percent of nodules had irregular margins and 55% were in the superior lobes. All patients operated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 40% underwent a lobectomy. Malignant lesions were observed in 87% of biopsies and a pulmonary adenocarcinoma was found in pathology in 40%. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach of pulmonary nodules, using adapted international guidelines, accomplishes an appropriate management, decreasing unnecessary surgical interventions.